Childhood Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Charlotte Family Photographer

30 May

New Jersey Child Photographer | Pretty Women . . . also NJ NAPCP Photographers

I’m so proud to be a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers, and over the last few months have enjoyed getting to know my fellow members from NJ. Back in March, I coordinated a lunch meeting to get us all together for the first time. It was an honor to meet these talented ladies in my industry and learn more about each of them and what makes our businesses unique.

Just two weeks ago, another member coordinated a dinner meeting and shoot-out. It was a chance for us to photograph each other – for fun and headshots! My latest profile image on my Facebook and Twitter pages is courtesy of Mallika Malhotra from Mikifoto, and I have a few other wonderful images from Jessica Wernes of Dewdrop Photography and Jennifer Lavelle of Jennifer Lavelle Photography.

We had a great time and I just wanted to share some of the images of these wonderful and pretty women.

29 May

Waxhaw, NC Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Happy Memorial Day Weekend

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! I took a little time this weekend to update photos of my own munchkin and pumpkin.

I just love kids dressed in red, white and blue and always try to have special outfits that my kids can wear for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. Yes, it often is the same outfit for all 3, and that typically works (as long as they don’t get destroyed by ice cream or bbq sauce during the first two holiday weekends).

I just can’t believe how fast they grow and how much they change, even at this age. We really enjoyed our holiday weekend with the kids, and I’m looking forward to a fun summer!

So, this Tiny Tuesday, I chose my favorite images from this weekend of my own little ones. They won’t be tiny for long.

24 May

New Jersey Newborn Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

I’m so happy to share another wonderful feature from The Indie Tot blog. Just a few weeks back, one of my closest friends brought her little baby boy home and introduced him to his big sister!

I love being able to capture little ones during those first few days when they are all cozy and snuggly. And seeing sweet, sleepy smiles from a tiny little baby can really warm your heart.

Check out Welcoming Baby M on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

18 May

Scotch Plains, NJ | Favorite Fridays – Irish Dancing {Marie Moore School of Irish Dance}

When my oldest daughter turned 4, we enrolled her in her first dance class. Like many other four year old girls, she began learning ballet and tap. Every Saturday morning, we would rush to get out of the house early, and she would spend 45 minutes in her dance class. But I never saw her “practice” her new dance moves at home or rehearse the routines for her recital between classes. And by the second year, she was seeming less interested in attending dance. I sometimes felt disappointed and wondered if we should continue to enroll her in dance.

Until my sister suggested switching my daughter to Irish Dance. My two oldest nieces had already been attending classes at the Marie Moore School of Irish Dance in Scotch Plains, and loved their classes. They were always eager to show us their latest jig or reel, even if we were in public restaurants, shopping malls, or local playgrounds. They would dance just about anywhere. My sister later admitted that she would see them practicing their dances while playing in the outfield in the middle of their softball games.

So, last year, I started my daughter in Marie Moore’s Summer Dance Camp program. The one full week of morning classes was a fantastic introduction to dance, and a wonderful opportunity for me to see if she was going to enjoy the classes without paying for an entire year. After just one week, my daughter couldn’t keep her feet still. She was dancing around our home, our backyard, at daycare, in the supermarket – almost everywhere we went. She had a smile on her face and she loved to dance. And I love seeing her happy with her new accomplishments and showing us what she has learned.

I was convinced. We happily signed up for a full year in September. She learned a couple of different dances, and in March we entered her into her very first Feis (Irish Dance Competition). It was incredible. She had the opportunity to see her cousins dance along with all the experienced dancers, but she also had a chance to compete in her own group. And she won first place!!! It was so exciting for all of us. When they called her number for her medal, my entire family was cheering for her – her little brother, my husband, mom, sister, brother-in-law and nieces were all there to see it!!! We were so proud of her and she was so proud of herself.

She’s my little Irish Dancer.

It’s so wonderful to be part of the family at the Marie Moore School of Irish Dance. My daughter loves the classes, and I love knowing that she is enjoying herself and that the money for the classes is well spent.

So this week’s Favorite Friday’s blog post is for The Marie Moore School of Irish Dance.

Additionally, they have so graciously offered to provide a free trial dance class for any child that might be considering enrolling. If you want your child to learn the art of “Riverdance”, then definitely consider the traditional Irish dance classes offered by Marie Moore School of Irish Dance in Scotch Plains and Pennington, NJ. You can visit their web site or call (908) 322-9099.

www.mariemoore-irishdance.com

16 May

North Carolina Childhood Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

I’m so thrilled to once again be published on The Indie Tot blog!! This one is so very close to my heart, because it features my own munchkin and pumpkin along with our dear friends. This past St. Patrick’s Day, our close friends came to spend the day at our home and I couldn’t resistant grabbing some photos of the kids running around the yard. Who would have expected it would be nearly 80 degrees in March!

My little man said it best when he told my friend, “we’re just family.” They are like family to us and I just love these days.

Check out The McK and Ryan Families on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

03 May

North Carolina Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Earlier this year, on one of those rare snowy mornings, I was heading a little further south in New Jersey for an adorable baby and family portrait session. It was a chilly morning, but these little munchkins brought all the sunshine we needed. And I’m so excited to have this session published on The Indie Tot!!!

Check out The G Family on The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

01 May

Marvin, NC Communion Portrait Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – A Moment of Reflection

This past weekend was my niece’s Communion Day and this was my absolute favorite image from the day. It was after the ceremony and we were in the lobby of the Church. I had brought her near the door to make some portraits using the window light when all of a sudden, I caught a glimpse of her bouquet in the marble wall. I took a few steps back, and there she was – the beautiful reflection of my sweet niece.

I had a photographer’s moment of glee as I made these images. I truly felt like a kid in a candy store. It was just pure happiness for me to capture a sweet moment like this.

Special thanks to my beautiful niece for all her cooperation and modeling for the day. Many more images to share, but for today, just sharing my favorite.

Enjoy.

17 Apr

Charlotte, NC Family Photographer | Published! {The Indie Tot}

Isn’t it just fitting that my first published family portrait session is with one of my absolutely wonderful clients that I have been working with for the last two years!

Today I have been published on The Indie Tot blog featuring an adorable Fall family portrait session in Historic Richmondtown. Everything about the session was just wonderful – the weather, the location, the family, and the giggly smile of their adorable little man.

Check out The B Family on the The Indie Tot here and please don’t forget to show them some love and comment on the post!!

About The Indie Tot: The Indie Tot features the best of the best for kids! We love the people who excel at creating great products for children – whether they’re handmade, eco-friendly or simply of awesome quality.

09 Apr

Waxhaw, NC Child and Family Photographer | Family Life is . . . .

If you visit and read my web site, you’ll find that I describe family life as “sweetness, love, craziness and chaos all rolled into one.” Well, that statement comes directly from my experience with my own family – my kids, my nieces, cousins, and more. Sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and chaos and just have fun with it.

I love taking Easter Portraits of my kids and my nieces, and I typically hunt for the perfect Easter outfits for my kids. But taking portraits of my own children can be quite entertaining. But I absolutely love the images we made yesterday. The craziness, chaos, sweetness and love are all here. It was completely nutty, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Enjoy!

PS Special thanks to my cousin, Billy, for his willingness to participate in the chaos.

Outfits:

Shannon – Dress: Gap Kids. Headband: Kids Kuts in Westfield
Jack – Shirt, Pants and Hat: Janie & Jack

07 Mar

Charlotte, NC | Guest Blog: What My Family Portraits Mean To Me One Year Later – A Mom’s Review

Last night, I received the most amazing email from a client (and good friend) about the portrait session we did for her family last year when her youngest son was born. She wrote a detailed note describing what the portraits from her session have meant to her over this past year. I was in tears at the end of her note. My goal as a photographer isn’t just to make you smile during your session, but to make you smile nearly everyday after just by glancing at the photos that hang in your home. I know this feeling for myself, and I always aim to provide images to my clients that will make them feel the same way.

There is nothing better than knowing that your wishes and goals for what you hope to provide to your clients have come true. Here is a note from Jen:

“I walked past my sons’ playroom and I smiled today. A year ago, my dear friend, Carolyn, came over to take pictures of our family with our newest addition. A few of the most meaningful images now hang in my playroom in a canvas cluster.

What strikes me now is not how much those pictures remind me of the past, but the reminder of all the moments that have taken place between then and now. So much has changed, but those pictures also reveal pieces of my kids’ personality that are still true now.

This beautiful boy has always had a “thing” with his pointer fingers. He points at things before he clutches them in his little hands. At 13 months, he points at every piece of cereal before he eats it. This picture reminds me that characteristic was a part of him even when his age was only measured in days.

My older son lost his first tooth 2 months before this picture was taken (on Thanksgiving). I love that I’m reminded of that milestone when I look at this picture.

He lost his first top tooth a year after this picture was taken, and I have to say I’m grateful to have some great shots of him before his smile was changed forever.

But even more than the precious milestones and memories, there are new moments created by these photos. My older son glanced up at the photo below and said, “Mommy is that your hand holding Owen’s?” And I said, “No, honey. That’s your hand holding your brother’s.”

I explained to him that they would always have each other. It was probably the first time they held hands, but metaphorically it’s just the beginning. To a stranger, it’s just two hands, but to me it’s the early moments of a lifetime bond.

This art is more meaningful to me than anything an artist could paint. These photos make me smile everyday, and no matter how busy things get they remind me of what’s really important.

Thank you, Carolyn, for lending me your talent and your vision! Your work means so much to so many people!”

I absolutely loved reading Jen’s note, and it completely warmed my heart. As she notes, life is busy. I simply hope to provide images that will make you stop for a moment and remember. I’m so thrilled that I could give that to Jen.

Thanks for reading!

03 Feb

Charlotte, North Carolina Family Photographer | Favorite Fridays – Displaying Photographs in Your Home

Today’s Favorite Friday blog share is about one of my favorite things to do – helping my clients decide how to display their new family photographs in their home. While I love photographing families and capturing wonderful moments and memories for my clients, I also absolutely love when my clients choose to display the images from those sessions in their home.

Did you know that displaying family photographs in your home can help improve a child’s self-confidence by giving them a sense of belonging? Being a mother, that is almost reason enough for me. But I also believe that adding family photographs to your walls adds a natural warmth to your home, and also just makes you smile more from glancing at the sweetness of the moments we captured that day. Who couldn’t use a few extra smiles each day?

But I often find that my clients are not sure how to display these images in their home, and have difficulty deciding what to order on their own. That is why I meet with all of my clients just a few weeks after their session for an ordering consultation, and I bring customized ideas for the best ways to display the images from their sessions on their walls.

Here are just a few examples of the beautiful gallery-wrapped canvas cluster ideas I have prepared for my clients. There are many more options and layouts, and I would love a chance to work with your family to add happiness and warmth to your walls and home.

30 Jan

Marvin, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Smiles to Keep You Warm

I love twinkling little eyes, especially from little boys that are just looking for a hint of trouble. This little guy is just 3 years old, and is honestly such a sweet little man, but can you just see that glimmer in his eyes that he is looking for a little adventure?

I love the images of him, but also loved capturing this wonderful relationship between a big sister and her little brother. Even with about 14 years between them, you can tell they are still best friends. I loved watching them walk together down the road, and my heart just aches to think that she will be heading to college next year. Time goes by so quickly, and she has grown into a wonderful young lady.

I hope these images will bring a little warmth, smiles and sunshine to your day.

Enjoy!

21 Jan

Fanwood, NJ Children’s Photographer | First Snow Day 2012

After last winter, it’s nice to be excited for snow once again. This time is was just the perfect amount. It was easy enough to clean up, but fun enough to let the kids play.

Believe it or not, this was our little guy’s first real time playing in the snow. He’s 2 1/2 years old now, and last year he was either sick for most of the snowstorms, or the snow was too deep to really allow him to go out and enjoy it. That’s why I’m so excited to share these images, because he just loved playing with his Dad and big sister this morning. He started out slow, but the smiles quickly turned to giggles as he played and tackled Daddy.

Our daughter had a brief timeout on the front steps for throwing a snowball down her brother’s neck. As a parent, I hate these moments when we spoil the fun, but the photographer in me just had to capture it. Honestly, I love the image, and she laughed later when she saw it. Don’t worry, it was a super short timeout and she quickly got back into the fun. I turned to catch her sneakily tasting the snow and I loved the series of smiles and giggles. Do you remember being 6 years old and eating handfuls of snow?

After a few more snowballs and smiles, it was time for me to put the camera away inside and really join in the fun – and yes we had a mini-snowball fight.

If you had snow this weekend, I hope you were able to enjoy it as much as we did. Stay safe and enjoy this cozy weekend.

12 Jan

Marvin, NC Family and Children’s Photographer | From shy to smiles . . .

Not everyone starts out their session ready to go and have a great time. And that’s completely ok. When we started this session, this little man was shy and just wanted to be close to his Mom. So, that’s what we captured. We had plenty of time to get adorable and happy images, and we knew that our patience would win and help us get there. I have seen him many times running around and having fun, so I knew it was only a matter of time.

But honestly, one of our favorite images from the session (both for his Mom and me), is from those shy moments. I featured the images a few weeks back for Tiny Tuesday, and it’s included here again in black and white. There is so much emotion in that one photograph.

And now I’m happy to share a few other images from the session to show the transformation from shy to smiles to outright giggles and laughter. This sweet little boy kept me running the rest of the afternoon.

Enjoy!

03 Jan

Charlotte, North Carolina Children’s Photographer | Tiny Tuesday – Surprise! It’s 2012!

Wow! Where did the last year? Do you find yourself saying that every January 1st? I know I do. Usually around June, it seems like time is moving at a normal pace, but then in a blink, it’s December. And now, January.

The past year was an amazing one for me, and I still have a ton of sessions to add to the blog. I’m so thankful and grateful to everyone that supported me this past year and helped me fulfill my dream of being a full-time photographer. I have so many wonderful people in my life, and this would not have been possible without them. Thank You.

And now, it’s Tiny Tuesday! I thought this image was a perfect start to Tiny Tuesday for 2012. I think it captures how I feel right now, but it is also one of my favorite images from this past year.

This image wasn’t planned. It wasn’t posed. It just happened. And honestly, it wasn’t until the image was captured in the camera that I saw any resemblance to a previous movie poster or childhood actor.

So, how did this happen? It was during a break in the session. The family was changing clothes and getting ready to head to another location, and this young man was taking a snack break in the kitchen. But he was sitting at the counter, and I saw some beautiful window light coming into the room. I originally asked if he could move to the table, so I could get a better shot. But, he was comfortable at the counter. OK. That’s fine.

I adjusted my camera settings for the location he was sitting and asked if I could take his picture. He shook his head, and covered his entire face with his hands. OK. That’s fine. Technically, it was his snack break.

But I didn’t want to give up. I loved the light. I loved his eyes. With kids, you have to be patient and let them lead the way, but still help guide them to the shot you want. So, I got the camera ready, focused and held still . . . waiting. He wasn’t moving those hands. He sat at the counter holding his hands over his face for a few minutes, and I waited, ready to capture a glimpse of his face. I’m not sure who was more stubborn at that moment. But I was having fun with this challenge.

“OK.”, I said. “I guess it’s time for me to give up. I’ll just have to put the camera away and get ready to head to the park.”

He was curious, and slowly took a peek by pulling his hands straight down. But my camera had not moved and I was focused and ready to make my image. I had a split second before he realized that I was still sitting there with camera in hand, and I got the shot before he was able to put his hands back over his eyes.

OK, so I was a little sneaky that day. {I’m still giggling about it}. But when I looked at the back of the camera, I just laughed to myself. It wasn’t planned, but it was a fun moment to capture.

Enjoy! And Happy New Year and wishing you a wonderful 2012!